Music is one of the most powerful forms of expression for emotions, beliefs, and collective memory. In Ephesus, music existed in every aspect of life, from hymns echoing in temples to performances staged in theaters; rhythm and melody became a common language that brought the city together. Every sound carries traces of Ephesus's multilayered culture to the present day.
Music Culture in Ancient Ephesus
In ancient Ephesus, music was an indispensable part of social life. Religious ceremonies, festivals, theater plays, and daily rituals were performed accompanied by music, thus enhancing the atmosphere of the rituals. Archaeological findings show that music played a central role in the social and religious life of Ephesus; music was present in almost every activity, from temple ceremonies to entertainment. Musicians of that era were often recognized as composers and performers and wore special costumes. Even their employment in royal households and mentions in inscriptions indicate that they held a respected and high status in society.
Instruments Used
Lyre
The lyre, one of the most common stringed instruments in the Greek and Roman worlds, is a small type of harp with a turtle shell or wooden body, two arms, and stretched strings. It was frequently used by poets and bards in hymns and poetic narratives and taught to the young in education. The lyre provided musical accompaniment over a wide area, from religious rituals to banquets.
Kithara
Kithara, a larger and more advanced type of lyre, was a stringed instrument preferred by professional musicians. With a wooden body and a structure of seven or more strings, it had powerful sound output. The kithara was typically played at competitions and concert-like recitals, being regarded as the instrument of virtuoso musicians.
Aulos
Aulos, a double-reed wind instrument, consisted of two pipes. The musician (aulete) could blow into these two pipes simultaneously and create rich, multilayered melodies. Aulos was perhaps the most widely used instrument in the ancient Greek world; it was played in theater plays, religious ceremonies, festival parades, and even to maintain rhythm during athletes' training sessions. Often associated with the cult of the wine god Dionysus, the aulos added energy to ceremonies with its lively and rhythmic sound.
Tympanon
A type of frame drum, the tympanon (also known as a tambourine or daf), was composed of a circular hoop stretched with leather on the sides. Especially in Anatolian-origin religious rituals of beliefs like the cult of goddess Cybele and Artemis, it was played by priestesses and devotees to provide rhythm for trance-inducing dances and rituals. The resonant percussive sound of the tympanon was a significant element that heightened the excitement in temple rituals and street celebrations.
Music in the temples of Ephesus ranged from hymns invoking the gods to artistic entertainment in structures like the Odeon. Tragedies and comedies staged in the 25,000-seat Great Theater of Ephesus were performed accompanied by choirs and aulos, providing the audience with an emotional atmosphere. Music was also present in daily life: Songs were sung with lyre accompaniment at banquets, and flute and drum rhythms were heard in street performances. Some musicians roamed as itinerant artists, while others were permanent staff in palaces and temples. Ultimately, the rich music culture of ancient Ephesus formed an essential part of both social unity and cultural identity.
Music in Modern Ephesus
Today, Ephesus Ancient City, beyond being a historical site, hosts international concerts with its historical atmosphere. Especially the iconic Great Theater of Ephesus, with its unique acoustics and grandeur, has become a venue where world stars perform. As part of various cultural and artistic events, including the annually held International İzmir Festival, concerts are held at venues such as the Ephesus Ancient Theater, Celsus Library, and Odeon. These events typically organize symphonic orchestras, opera performances, classical music recitals, alongside pop, rock, and jazz concerts, thus enlivening the ancient city through art and offering visitors a music experience intertwined with history.
World-renowned artists who have performed in Ephesus include legendary names like Sting, Elton John, and Diana Ross. For instance, Sting gave an unforgettable concert to tens of thousands of audiences at the Ephesus Great Theatre on July 2, 1993. This concert went down in history as the first major rock concert held in the ancient theater; the echo of modern music on the ancient marble stands made a significant impression. In 2001, Elton John again performed a historic show in Ephesus, with artists like Ray Charles, Joan Baez, Julio Iglesias, Diana Ross, and Jethro Tull having offered concerts at this unique venue in the 1980s and 90s. During these concerts, the enchanting atmosphere of the ancient theater provided a unique backdrop for artists’ performances. The artists often expressed the excitement they felt being on a stage carrying traces of thousands of years past.
The impact of these types of international concerts on Ephesus has been extremely positive. Firstly, they have created a great attraction in terms of tourism: Music lovers from all around the world flocked to Ephesus both to listen to their favorite artists and see this historical site. Thanks to the concerts, Ephesus has frequently appeared in international media, becoming prominent as a cultural brand. The foundation organizing the İzmir Festival (İKSEV) has successfully attracted the world's attention to Ephesus Ancient City with these events. Many famous artists have included Ephesus in the list of important concerts in their careers; thus, Ephesus has secured a special position on the global cultural and art map. As a result, these concerts held in the modern era have emphasized that the ancient city is a living place, serving to connect the past with the future and promote cultural heritage.
